IT is just over a year since the Great North Run was marred by tragedy.

Four people died in the cruel heat that accompanied last year's half marathon - the highest number of deaths in the race's history.

Among them was York civil engineer David Mahaffey, a 43-year-old who loved running and regularly completed 13-mile training runs.

At an inquest earlier this year, Mr Mahaffey's widow, Amanda, described poignantly how she waited at the finishing line with a pint of shandy for her husband to arrive. He never did.

Our thoughts are with Mr Mahaffey's family today - and with the families of all those who died a year ago - as runners prepare for this year's race, to be held on Sunday.

But our sadness at the events of a year ago should not be allowed to spoil what is a world-class event.

It is to be hoped that the lessons of a year ago have been learned. Coroner Terrence Carney said at the inquest into the four deaths that emergency medical arrangements at the race must be improved. The onus is on organisers to make sure that they are.

But this is a world-renowned event in which thousands of people enjoy taking part. Hundreds of thousands of pounds are raised for charity. The sense of personal achievement by those who complete the run is enormous.

The Great North Run is, quite simply, one of the most popular and inspiring events on the annual charity calendar.

We wish all those taking part in this year's event the very best of luck. But let us not forget the families for whom this anniversary will be a difficult and upsetting time.